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Archbishop of Cape Town calls for human chain to honor Mandela

Posted Sep 18, 2013

[Anglican Communion News Service] Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba on Sept. 18 called on South Africans to join him in Pretoria to form a human chain and pledge to honor the values of Nelson Mandela. He made the call as part of his commitment to reflect and act on these. The archbishop believes that all South Africans should celebrate these values, which are part of their heritage, especially in preparation for Heritage Day this Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Freedom Park in Pretoria has taken responsibility to organize the human chain from 12 midday till 1307 (67 minutes) on Friday as part of the symbolic effort to create a space for all South Africans, especially young South Africans, to understand the enormous legacy set by Tata Madiba.

The Archbishop will be joined by representatives of universities and religious leaders across faiths. They will join hands together then read out a pledge at 1230, committing each one to furthering the dream and values of Madiba, for which so many fought and died.

Freedom Park CEO, Fana Jiyane, says the chain will stretch from Freedom Park, through Bosman Station, Paul Kruger up to Church Square. “I call upon all participants to wear South African colors and bring along South African flags”, said Mr Jiyane. He urged “join the chain nearest to you along these streets in Pretoria.”

On Mandela Day 18 July 2013, the Archbishop successfully led a similar human chain in Cape Town, organized along Klipfontein Road, that linked Gugulethu to Rondebosch – a stretch that runs through four previously divided communities under the Apartheid regime (black, colored, Indian and white). “The success of this event has moved me to extend this call nationally”, said the Archbishop. The Pretoria event on Friday will demonstrate to the whole country one way in which we as South Africans can celebrate our heritage by holding hands and making a joint commitment.

“It is my hope that when our beloved Madiba has a peaceful end, civil society will organize these human chains in every community and city, across the country, and stand proud as a Nation to honor and reflect on this extraordinary leader in this fitting way.”